As part of an ongoing drive to minimize poverty in the capital and reduce the number of poor households to zero by the end of this year, Hanoi authorities have outlined a set of funding for initiatives aiming to help the city’s most vulnerable people.
Part of the funds, which total VND124 billion (US$5.3 million), will be used to provide monthly allowances for elderly, disabled people and those suffering from serious illnesses. They could also be cared for in social establishments offered by the Department of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs, Vietnam Plus reports.
Poorer households will be offered not only free healthcare insurance for up to three years, but also free school tuition and a monthly donation of VND100,000 for nine months of the year.
According to a study by Oxfam, Vietnam ranks 99th out of 157 countries for efforts to reduce inequality. Across three indicators for CRI, the country's commitment to improving social spending on public services, health, education and social protection is ranked at 89th.
A recent economic policy framework released by the Ministry of Planning and Investment, meanwhile, claims Vietnam wants to increase its GDP per capita to US$6,500 in 2030 and US$10,000 by 2035. The country's current average income is US$2,343.
